When a 6.0-magnitude earthquake struck Kunar Province in the middle of the night in September 2025, WHO-supported polio workers were among the first responders. As soon as the shaking stopped, they rushed to help rescue the injured, provide first aid, and support emergency medical teams.

Polio workers assisted in digging survivors from the rubble, establishing temporary clinics, and coordinating the delivery of medical supplies and trauma care. They also helped guide United Nations agencies and NGOs to the hardest-hit villages, ensuring assistance reached remote areas.

The polio team worked around the clock to support rescue operations and deliver critical relief.

Here they reflect on their experiences.

Mehrab, Polio Vaccinator, Dewagal village, Chawki District, Kunar Province

“When the earthquake struck, I was at home, asleep. I woke to the violent shaking of the house and the terrified shouts of people outside. Rushing out into the darkness, I was met with a devastating scene—homes collapsed, dust rising into the night air, and the cries of injured neighbors echoing through the village.

Without hesitation, I ran toward the destruction and began rescuing people trapped under the rubble. I provided first-aid to the injured and later assisted health professionals as soon as they arrived in the village. I also coordinated with all the polio vaccinators in the area so we could work together to rescue the wounded and deliver immediate first-aid response.

It was a tragedy unlike anything our village had ever seen. I lost relatives, friends, and neighbors that night, yet I pushed myself to keep helping as many people as I could. In the days that followed, I helped set up tents for displaced families and took part in distributing food to those who had lost their homes.

I have worked with the Polio Eradication Programme in Dewagal for two years, and during the response I used my local knowledge to guide partners and other UN agencies to the most severely affected areas and to help map where the support was needed most.

Despite the sorrow and loss, I am proud that I was able to help my community in such a difficult time.”

“I did everything I could—day and night—to rescue my people and guide help to every village. Despite the immense loss, I am proud to have stood by my community when they needed me most during the earthquake.”

Ahmad Isaq, District Polio Officer, Chawki District, Kunar Province